Makati

From wiki.travel.com

wiki.travel.com

Makati City[1] or just simple Makati lies in the heart of big Metropolis of Manila. The city is known for its first class shopping malls, and is also home to high class brands, restaurants and hotels and is home to many to many affluent Filipinos. Considered to be the center of Financial, commercial and economic hubs and home to the Philippines' Philippine Stock Exchange(PSE).

Cost of Living

Makati City's cost of living is significantly higher when compared to neighboring Filipino cities, owing primarily to its skyrocketing real estate value and relatively upscale commercial and residential selections. However, compared to other major cities of the world, Makati City offers service, accommodations, and value that are dirt-cheap. Furthermore, bargains comparable to other Philippine cities may be found in certain areas in Makati - Makati Cinema Square and Guadalupe Mall, for instance - that even for the most jaded backpacker will make a stay in Makati more than economical.

History

Originally founded in 1670 as a visita of Sta. Ana de Sapa under the jurisdiction of the Franciscans, Makati City was first dismissed as "worthless" swamp land by the Spanish conquistador Juan Miguel de Legazpi in 1571. Yet over the centuries, this small community would leave large imprints in social, economic and cultural history. The friars established two of the earliest churches in the Philippines - the Nuestra Señora de Gracia in Guadalupe and the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul - in Makati, drawing pilgrims from all over the country. At the turn of the century, the Americans established Fort McKinley in Makati, and in 1901, San Pedro de Makati, with a population of 2,500, was incorporated into the province of Rizal. On February 28, 1914, the Philippine Legislature passed Act 2390, shortening the name San Pedro Makati to Makati in the 1930s, the first airport, Nielson Airport, opened in what is now the Ayala Triangle. The first centrally planned community was established in the 1950s, and since the 1970s, Makati has been the undisputed financial and commercial capital, the once worthless swampland becoming prime real property. Makati has also figured prominently in the political history of the Filipino. The community was one of the cradles of the revolt against Spanish colonial rule, and following the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983, the epicenter of the protest movement against the dictatorial rule of Ferdinand Marcos. On January 2, 1995, the Makati became an independent city by virtue of Republic Act 7854.

Talk

The main language choice for communication in this affluent Philippine city is English, making the stays here of international travelers and businessmen a relatively enjoyable experience. A knowledge of Filipino, the local language, which is, in turn, a hodgepodge of various indigenous dialects, mostly from the Tagalog regions of the country, can benefit any traveler here.

Get in

Makati City has some of the strictest traffic rules in Metro Manila. Traffic marshalls actively enforce rules. This means that you can't tell your bus to let you on or off anywhere within its route except at designated stops. Moreover, the colour coding scheme is active all day unlike in other neighbouring cities when they are only enforced during rush hour.

By train

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) elevated train has four stations on Edsa. These are the Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala and Magallanes stations. Getting off at the Ayala station will set you in the middle of the Ayala Centre - a complex of shopping malls and restaurants.

This is a quick and inexpensive way to get into the city. The cost of an MRT ticket ranges from 11 to 14 pesos.

By car

Two of Metro Manila's main arteries pass through Makati. The Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA) pass along the southeast part of Makati and connects the city with Mandaluyong City and Pasay City. The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) runs through the western part of Makati and connects the city with Manila to the north and with southern Metro Manila. The Skyway, an elevated highway built on top of SLEX, provides residents coming from southern Metro Manila a fast way to reach Makati. SLEX and EDSA intersect at the Magallanes Interchange, which is the most complex system of elevated roadways in Metro Manila.

Other major roads in Makati include Buendia Avenue, also called Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, which connects EDSA and SLEX in the north; Ayala Avenue, an important street that runs through the Central Business District; and Makati Avenue, which connects Ayala Avenue with Buendia Avenue, also extending north to cross the Pasig River to Mandaluyong City. At the center of Makati is the Ayala Triangle, a park built on the former Nielsen Air Base.

By bus

Buses plying the Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA) route from Baclaran in Paranaque to Quezon City and Caloocan City pass through the Central Business District daily. As mentioned above, you can't load or unload just anywhere, you have to wait or go to the designated stops. There are separate loading and unloading zone which you must observe.

By water bus

The Pasig River Ferry [2] stops at two stations in Makati: Valenzuela (near the city government complex) and Guadalupe (near Guadalupe Bridge). Although neither station is in a convenient spot for tourists - which makes this option far less convenient than, say, hailing a taxi - it may be worth keeping the ferry service in mind as another means of getting into Makati from other riverside districts (such as Intramuros in Manila).

Get around

One can easily walk around the business district by way of the sidewalks or the new pedestrian underpasses. Driving around the city is also possible. Some areas in the central business district are connected with overpasses where pedestrians can walk above the streets.

See

Landmarks

Ayala Museum Makati Ave. corner De La Rosa St +63-2-757117/757121 museum_inquirty@ayalamuseum.org http://www.ayalamuseum.org/ Tue-Fri: 09:00-18:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00-19:00, Mon: Closed The museum shows the rich and vivid history of the Philippines from the earliest times of the Mactan battle to the struggle of democracy in EDSA.

Greenbelt Park In Ayala Center Most of the people around the big metropolis of Manila flock to Greenbelt park to relax and feel nature, the park has a pond filled with duck and fishes, a Zen like garden with trees, flowers and orchids beautifully scattered around the park.

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial This cemetery is where American and Filipino soldiers as well as allied soldiers have finally rested, soldiers who have died during the Battle of the Philippines (1941-1942).

Greenbelt Chapel Santo Niño de la Paz Chapel Bernardino St., Guadalupe Viejo In Greenbelt Park Located in the Greenbelt park, the church is popular for church goers, most people find it relaxing though because of the park surrounding it, birds chirping, trees rustling, a fish and lily pond is on the side of the chapel, it might be the most relaxing chapel in the Philippines. The ''Tomb of the Unknown Soldier'' is also found here.

Libingan ng mga Bayani Cemetery of the Heroes The final resting place of many Filipino soldiers, heroes and martyrs, it is also the final resting place of two Filipino presidents; Carlos P. Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal.

Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church Built by the Augustinian friars and is a UNESCO world heritage site, it's architecture is of European-Baroque inspired. It is named Nuestra Señora de Gracia in honor of the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary that can also be found inside

Piazza Serendra McKinley Rd., 11th Ave. and 31st St The impressive architecture of Serendra makes you think you're somewhere in the late 21st century, it is where most high class brands, restaurants, spas and lifestyle-related businesses are located. See their spectacular public art and be curious at how it is.

Ayala Triangle Park Makati Ave. and Paseo de Roxas Located behind the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Ayala Triangle Park is surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes.

Philippine Stock Exchange PSE Ayala Ave 09:30am - 12:10pm One of the two stock exchanges in the Philippines, it is known to be Asia's shortest trading times which lasts only for two hours. Just nearby is the Ninoy Aquino monument.

Ninoy Aquino monument Ayala Ave Near Philippine Stock Exchange Erected in honor of the late Filipino senator and national hero; Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, who was the husband of late Philippines president; Corazon Aquino, who both fought for democracy during the martial law which was under the Marcos' administration in the 1980s.

Work

The Makati Central Business District is the home to some of the biggest companies in the Philippines. It is also where the top BPO's and contact centers are headquartered.

Buy

Ayala Center is the Philippines' Orchard Rd, it has a number of first class malls. High class brands and restaurants usually have branches here. The cost of buying in Makati is far more expensive than its neighboring cities or in any other city in the Philippines because of the high-class brands they have in Makati.

Glorietta http://216.119.104.87/othercontent/glorietta It was renovated on the 1990s, owned and operated by the Ayala company, it is one of the biggest malls in Metro Manila. Aside from Shopping and dining, indoor facilities such as a kids play area and an activity center for concerts and shows. By the 2000s other buildings too were constructed making it bigger. Its tenants include TGI Friday's, SM Makati and Hard Rock cafe.

Most of Glorietta's parts are currently under renovation. These renovations started in 2009 but generally do not affect the flow of business inside the mall.

Greenbelt http://216.119.104.87/othercontent/greenbelt The one shop stop for high class shopping from brand like Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Kenneth Cole, Bulgari, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, Zara and many others. Dining options include sit down restaurants and fast food chains, fast food chains are found in Greenbelt 1, while restaurant on Greenbelt 2, 3 and 5.

Power Plant Mall Rockwell Center Amorsolo Drive, Poblacion http://www.powerplantmall.com/v2/ A four level complex mall that has shops and restaurants which may be either international or local, cinemas too are also found.

Salcedo Weekend Market Salcedo Park, Makati City 7am to 2pm Right in the gut of Makati Business Center District is the Salcedo Park. Every Saturday, there is a free for all in the park. Vendors take over part of the park to sell their specialty items. There are ornamental plants, organically grown vegetables, bakery products, grilled fish, lechon from Cebu, lechon from the backyard and of course the lechong baka (steer). Be sure to come early for the full experience.

Budget

Inengs BBQ, Ayala Central Bus Terminal at Makati Avenue beside The Landmark. This establishment is all about pork barbecue. Their skewers have much more meat than other barbecue outlets.

Sunday Market, Sundays from 7am-2pm in the parking lot at Salcedo & Herrera streets. This is a fresh market with fruits, vegetables and other foods for very reasonable prices. Many small food stands offer a variety of cooked foods, including tofu lasagna and a very hearty vegetarian version of pork barbecue skewers for only 45 PHP each.

Mid-range

Chimara Level 4, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City. Phone: 757 5652. Email: chimaragb3@tatersgroup.com. This healthy café has a range of delicious vegetarian and vegan friendly options from soups, salads and wraps. They also have a range of soy ice cream and offer home delivery as well. They will even deliver meals into the cinema while you enjoy a movie.

Cibo, Italian restaurant with several branches, most notable at Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong and Glorietta 4. Their pasta dishes as well as panini sandwiches are great. Don't miss the very refreshing fresh red grape shake.

Bizu Patisserie and Cafe, Ground Floor Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center. The best French patisserie and cafe in Manila. Try the 10 Hour Roast Beef! They make the best Macarons de Paris similar to those of the best patisseries in Paris. Their French gateaux and Lavazza coffee are perfect for a night cap. Open for Breakfast at 7AM and the Eggs Benedict and Filipino Breakfast are must-tries.

Splurge

Drink

The epicenter of Manila's famous nightlife is Greenbelt where some of the city's best restaurants, cafes, bars and karaoke joints cluster around a park in the middle of the main business district.

Tavern on the Square[4], Level 2 Greenbelt 3, Makati, Tel +632-757-4484 Fax +632-757-4485. Music bar right in the heart of Greenbelt in Makati. Excellent ambiance, great location and hip crowd. Good music too! Popular bands perform nightly.

iO Family KTV, 136 Jupiter St., Makati, Tel +632-8895-5938. KTV (Karaoke TV) bar where you can sing to your heart's content in private rooms while having the usual drinks and eats. Best enjoyed with a group of friends.

Sleep

Budget

OUR MELTING POT, [5] Unit 18-N&O, A.Venue Suites, #7829 Makati Avenue cor. General Luna St., 1200, Makati City, Philippines. ☎ +(632)393-9189 or mobile (63917)832-8539 c/o Lani, (63917)803-9428 c/o Kidz. Currently, the top-billed backpackers' destination in Manila in Hostelworld site, OMP is a new, comfortable and friendly hostel in the cozy central district of Makati, the financial & entertainment center of this nation's capital. For only US$17 or P800.00 per person per night, modest breakfast included, you can book a bed in its 6-bed or 4-bed mixed dorms. There are also private accommodations that range from US$23-27. The place is literally at the center of many things, less than 30 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes to the Ayala Center where you find the Glorietta and the Greenbelt Malls, close to the Metro trains, US$2-taxi-ride away from major tourist attractions, etc. It is a strategic take-off point to the prime tourist destinations of this country’s 7,107 islands. The backpackers joint is essentially an apartment unit converted into a hostel so it has a very homey atmosphere. Walk-in guests may only gain access to the building upon presenting oneself to the receptionist at the lobby of the hotel as friend of the owners. Security protocol of A.Venue suites is very strict so online booking facilitates everything. The accommodation comes with free internet access and common area for guests, including use of the hotel swimming pool facilities, gym and game room. The hostel exudes a modern atmosphere, friendly and peaceful vibe.

Citadel Inn Makati 5007 P. Burgos St., Bel-Air Makati City, Philippines (632) + 897-2370 http://www.citadel-inn-makati.com Best rates on official website start at PHP 1,800.00The comfort and convenience of a home in an urban setting makes a perfect choice for travellers who are in the metro for either business or pleasure. Citadel Inn Makati is conveniently located in the middle of the business, shopping and entertainment districts of Makati City. The 33-storey condominium hotel now boasts of 120 well-appointed rooms equipped with complete dining and kitchen facilities.

Creekside Amorsolo Hotel Mezzanine Floor Creekside Mall, Amorsolo St. cor VA Rufino St., Legazpi Village, Makati (632)8934123, (632)8178726 to 28 http://www.creeksideamorsolo.com Best rates on official website start at PHP 1,968.00Creekside Amorsolo Hotel offers great value accommodation at a very convenient location. With efficient, dedicated and friendly staff committed to making your stay enjoyable and memorable, they make it their business to give you a home away from home even on a budget.

Franchise One Hotel +632-3947012 +632-8864667 franchise1hotel@gmail.com http://www.franchiseone-makati.com Rates start at PHP 1,770Franchise One Hotel offers accommodations that remain easy on the pocket and conveniently located within the city's business district. Our Makati accommodations offer you not only comfort but affordability too. Each accommodation is air-conditioned, and boasts an LCD television with cable, DVD player with movies, and comfortable beds. 7430 Santillan Street corner Fernando Street, Brgy Pio del Pilar, Makati City, Philippines.

LPL Suites 112 Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City (632) 8183628 http://www.lplsuitesgreenbelt.com Best rates on official website start at Php 3,000+Right in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District is LPL Suites Greenbelt - the ideal place to stay for both business and leisure travelers on short or extended visits. LPL Suites Greenbelt offers fully furnished apartments that is within walking distance to local and multi-national offices, financial institutions, hotels, malls and shops. It is accessible, affordable and conveniently located across the Greenbelt Mall.

Saint Illian's Inn 7461 Santillan Street, Pio del Pilar, Makati City 1230 +(632)893-0754 +(632)812-1998 http://www.saintilliansinn.com Best rates on official website start at US$27Situated in the business district of Makati City, Saint Illian's Inn is a budget Makati hotel that is clean and efficient. Located along Santillan Street, a five-minute walk or so away from Makati Cinema Square, one of Makati City's many malls, and about 15 minutes away (by foot) from the two premiere Makati City malls, the Ayala Glorietta and the Ayala Greenbelt.

Mid-range

Antel Spa Hotel Suites Antel Lifestyle City, 7829 Makati Ave +63 (2) 403 0808 http://www.antelspahotelsuites.com/ Best rates on official website start at PHP 4,680Offers 80 rooms, all of which have LCD TV, minibar, and bath tub. Some of its amenities include gym and fitness center, free WIFI, and a coffee shop.

Asian Mansion II Condotel Makati 107 Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village Makati City Philippines +632-844-9061 +632-844-9061 http://www.asianmansion-makati.com Best rates on official website start at US$45 Condotel Makati is along De La Rosa Avenue, very near the Ayala Center.

BSA Mansion Condotel Makati 103 Carlos Palanca St., Legaspi Village Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1200 +632-812-2729 +632-812-2671 http://www.bsamansion-makati.com/ Best rates on official website start at US$40BSA Mansion Condotel's rooms are tastefully appointed and designed to integrate all the comforts of home. Location-wise, this hotel is walking distance to the Ayala Center, the city's major shopping and business mecca.

BSA Suites 108 Benavidez Street, Legaspi Village Makati City Philippines +632 8841463 (632) 887-0513 http://www.bsasuites-makati.com/ Best rates on official website start at US$40Units at BSA Suites Serviced Apartments have living, dining and kitchen facilities meeting the needs of both business travelers and leisure guests on short or extended stays.

BSA Tower 108 Legaspi St., Legaspi Village Makati City, Philippines (632) 887-0147 +632 8841463 http://www.bsatower-makati.com/ Best rates on official website start at US$56BSA Tower is elegantly designed to provide both business and leisure travelers with a relaxing stay in the country's central business hub.

City Garden Hotel 7870 Makati Avenue cor Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila +632-899-1111 http://www.citygardenhotels.com/makati/ Best rates on official website start at US$67 +632-899-1415This three-star Makati hotel along Makati Avenue is one of the more popular mid-range hotels, with excellent dining, sightseeing, and evening opportunities all in the area. They are known to nickel and dime guests, however, charging service fees for seemingly everything (i.e. a 100% "corkage fee" for bringing food (not only alcohol) to the pool side, so if you paid 350 pesos for that Pizza Hut pizza from across the street then they will charge you 350 pesos to eat it at their hotel. The fact that you're a guest is irrelevant.

Copacabana Businessman's Hotel 912 Pasay Road, Makati City, Metro Manila +632-844-8811 +632-844-6126 http://www.copasuites-makati.com/ Best rates on official website start at US$59Guests who stay at the Copa Businessman's Hotel in Makati appreciate its convenient location in the heart of the Central Business District. This Makati hotel is in walking distance from major shopping centers and a vast choice of restaurants, entertainment centers and business addresses.

Crown Regency Hotel Makati http://crownregencyhotels.com/makati.php 1026 A. Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road) +632-845-0211 to 15 The Crown Regency chain of business and luxury hotels in Cebu, in southern Philippines, brings its warm hospitality to Makati. Cozy accommodations with a full range of services are on offer. Rooms start at US$70.

Herald Suites Solana 2914 Finlandia corner Einstein Street, San Isidro MCPO 5006 Makati City, Philippines 60018888 http://solana.heraldsuites.com/ Best rates on official website start at Php 4,000.00Herald Suites Solana is in Makati City, the business district of the Philippines. Just a few meters from the South Expressway and 20 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport , Herald Suites Solana is ideal for the business and leisure traveler who seeks the convenience of shopping in nearby Ayala Center or needs to meet with associates in the financial district. It offers 40 big air-conditioned guest rooms. It has a pool and gym on the top floor, and a coffee shop on the second floor.

Oxford Suites Durban corner P. Burgos Street, Makati City +632-899-7888 +632-897-7900 http://www.oxfordsuites-makati.com/ Best rates on official website start at US$50A 27-storey property located at the heart of the city’s business & entertainment district.

Prince Plaza II 101 Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village Makati City Philippines +632-840-3215 +632-894-2992 http://www.princeplaza-makati.com/ Best rates on official website start at US$45The Prince Plaza II's tasteful accommodations and standard facilities are perfect for travelers, from the budget-conscious businessman to the fun-focused family.

Salcedo Suites LPL Manor Building, 116 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City +632-893-2654 +632-892-5322 http://www.paramounthotels-philippines.com/salcedo.php Best rates on official website start at US$33Salcedo Suites [http://www.salcedosuites-makati.com/]' strategic location in the heart of Makati, Manila's business mecca, places it in the center of business and pleasure.

Sunette Tower Durban St. corner Makati Ave., Makati City +632-897-1808 +632-896-6407 http://www.sunette.com.ph/index.php Best rates on official website start at US$35The Sunette Tower stands on a quiet side street by Makati City’s main thoroughfare, Makati Avenue. Accessible to Manila's financial districts and tourist areas.

Splurge

Thanks to its reputation as the country's premier financial district, Makati City is home to some of the country's pricier hotels. Many major international hotel chains have their local affiliates in Makati City.

Hotel Inter-Continental Manila, 1 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Manila, Philippines, Tel Nos.: 1800 1651 888, 63-2-8159711, Fax: 63-2-8171330, [6]. The Hotel Inter-Continental is located conveniently on the fringest of the Ayala Center, the country's poshest and most complete shopping center. It is a mere 20 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and right beside the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, Manila's main thoroughfare.

The Makati Shangri-La, Ayala cor. Makati Ave., Makati City (Across The Landmark in Ayala Center), +632-813-8888 Fax +632-813-5499, [7]. The Makati Shangri-La is one of the most respected hotels in Makati. Located in the heart of the Ayala Center, the Makati Shang has sister hotels in Mandaluyong City and Mactan in the Visayas' main island of Cebu.

The Mandarin Oriental Manila, Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati, Manila, 1226 Philippines, T: +63 (2) 750 8888, [8]. The Mandarin Oriental's reputation for its quality business accommodations and the cuisine of its in-house restaurants make it one of Makati's most revered hotels.

The Peninsula Manila, Ayala cor. Makati Ave., Makati City, +632-887-2888 Fax +632-815-4825, [10]. Just across the road from the Ayala Center in the Makati Business District, the Manila Peninsula is one of the city's most famous hotels. Its fountain, on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, was broadcast to the world during the international New Year's Day broadcast in 2000. Rates start at 120 US$.

Stay safe

A popular scam as of recent days is for someone to approach you and pretend they recognize you. They will say they work at your hotel (i.e. room service, security, or whatever) and that they know you from there. They then say it is their day off and since they bumped into you they want to show you something nice that happens to be nearby perhaps only a 2 or 3 minute ride away by taxi. They may be very convincing even to a seasoned traveler. It’s a scam. Do not ever get into a car or go anywhere with anyone you don’t know (they will try to convince you that they helped you at the hotel on a previous occasion). Of course, if you ask them which hotel they will not be able to answer. They are best fended off if you just ignore them or if they persist say something like; ‘are you going to leave me alone or should I call the police’. I found this makes them do an about face and leave pretty quickly. This is very common in the greenbelt area of Makati.

Contact

The international telephone country code for the Philippines is 63. The area code for Metro Manila (including Makati) is 2.